Giant prehistoric penguin fossil found in New Zealand

WELLINGTON — Fossilized remains of one of the largest penguins ever, an “elegant” giant standing 4’3″ tall, have been found in New Zealand, scientists said Tuesday.

The penguin lived 27-24 million years ago, when New Zealand was mostly underwater and consisted of isolated, rocky outcrops that offered protection from predators and plentiful food supplies, researchers said.

The first traces of the penguin, dubbed Kairuku — Maori for diver who returns with food — was found embedded in a cliff at Waimate in the South Island by University of Otago paleontology professor Ewen Fordyce in 1977.

Over the years, Prof. Fordyce discovered more complete remains and invited University of North Carolina specialist Dan Ksepka to help reconstruct the lost giant in 2009.